21 Days | The European Explorer with Flights
Amsterdam - Paris - Toulouse - Andorra - Barcelona - Avignon - Nice - Pisa - Tuscany - Florence - Rome - Venice - Swiss Alps - Black Forest - Rhine Valley - and more...
Return International Economy Class Airfares from Australia to Amsterdam
Enjoy free days in Barcelona, Rome, Venice, Paris, the Swiss Alps...
Sail the Rhine River in Germany and cruise the canals of Amsterdam
Explore dazzling towns on a scenic drive along the French Riviera
From
$7,899
Typically $8,999
pp twin share
Description
Traveling through Amsterdam to Venice, the Swiss Alps, the Black Forest, and the Rhine Valley provides a rich tapestry of European experiences, from cosmopolitan cities to natural wonders and historic treasures, all woven together for a truly unforgettable adventure.
Traveling through Amsterdam, the Netherlands marks the beginning of a European adventure filled with rich history and culture. The picturesque canals and iconic Anne Frank House provide insight into the city's past, while vibrant neighborhoods like Jordaan offer a taste of modern Dutch life. Amsterdam's famous museums, such as the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, are a treasure trove of art and history. As you stroll along cobbled streets and savor local delicacies like stroopwafels and herring, the city's unique charm unfolds.
Heading south, the journey takes you to the romantic city of Paris, France. Known as the "City of Love," Paris boasts iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum, home to the enigmatic Mona Lisa. Montmartre's artistic legacy and the bustling streets of Le Marais beckon explorers. Parisian cuisine, from croissants to coq au vin, is an unforgettable delight for food enthusiasts, and a Seine River cruise offers breathtaking views of the city.
Toulouse, in the south of France, introduces a change of pace. Known as the "Pink City" due to its terracotta buildings, Toulouse is famous for its aerospace industry and is home to the Cité de l'Espace, an inspiring space exploration center. The city's rich culinary tradition features the delectable cassoulet, and you can explore its historic sites, such as the Capitole and the Basilica of Saint-Sernin.
Continuing through the Pyrenees, you arrive in Andorra, a tiny principality nestled in the mountains between France and Spain. Surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, Andorra is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, skiing, and shopping for duty-free goods. The capital, Andorra la Vella, offers a charming contrast to the wilderness, with its medieval Old Town and the beautiful Església de Sant Esteve.
Barcelona, Spain, awaits with its fusion of Catalan culture, architecture, and beachfront living. Antoni Gaudí's masterpieces, including the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, showcase the city's unique architecture. Stroll down La Rambla, indulge in tapas, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Barri Gòtic. The beaches along the Mediterranean coast invite relaxation and water sports, making Barcelona a city of diverse experiences.
Read our latest Blogs about Europe at 'Wake Up Here'
Avignon, in the Provence region of France, presents a medieval and artistic charm. The Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) and the Pont Saint-Bénézet are UNESCO World Heritage Sites that evoke the city's historic and religious significance. The annual Festival d'Avignon showcases a rich cultural scene, with theater, dance, and music performances. The region's lavender fields and vineyards add to the enchantment of this city on the Rhône River.
Next, you journey to Nice, on the French Riviera, with its azure waters and pebble beaches. Promenade des Anglais offers a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll along the Mediterranean coastline. The Old Town, or Vieux Nice, is a maze of narrow streets filled with vibrant markets, charming cafés, and the delightful scent of freshly baked socca. Museums like the Marc Chagall National Museum and Matisse Museum highlight the city's artistic heritage.
Pisa, Italy, is renowned for its iconic Leaning Tower, part of the Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) complex. This historic city along the Arno River also boasts beautiful churches, palaces, and a lively university atmosphere. Tuscany, the region surrounding Pisa, is famous for its rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval towns. Florence, the regional capital, is a cultural treasure trove, home to masterpieces like Michelangelo's David and the Uffizi Gallery's artistic wonders.
The journey continues to Rome, Italy's capital, a city where history, art, and spirituality converge. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon offer glimpses into the ancient world, while Vatican City's St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel house priceless art and religious significance. Roman cuisine is an epicurean delight, with pasta, pizza, and gelato making for culinary delights. The city's bustling piazzas and narrow alleyways reveal hidden gems at every turn.
Venice, Italy, with its labyrinthine canals and ornate architecture, is a city like no other. St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace stand as testaments to its rich history, while gondola rides through the winding waterways provide a romantic experience. Venetian cuisine, featuring fresh seafood and cicchetti, is a delightful indulgence, and the annual Carnival of Venice is a world-famous celebration of masks and masquerade.
Leaving Italy, the journey takes you to the Swiss Alps, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, skiing, and mountaineering are just a few of the activities offered in this breathtaking alpine region. The charming Swiss towns, like Zermatt and Interlaken, provide access to stunning vistas and picturesque lakes, while Swiss chocolate and cheese are must-try culinary delights.
Continuing north, you'll find the Black Forest in Germany, a mystical and dense woodland region known for its cuckoo clocks and fairytale landscapes. Hiking trails and serene lakes, such as Lake Titisee, offer opportunities for relaxation and adventure. The region's folklore and folklore-themed attractions add to its enchanting allure.
Finally, the journey along the Rhine Valley showcases picturesque landscapes and charming villages. The Rhine River winds through scenic vineyards, medieval castles, and the legendary Lorelei Rock, where folklore meets reality. Riverside towns like Rüdesheim and Bacharach offer delightful glimpses into German culture and history, making this a perfect ending to a memorable European journey.
Itinerary Downloadable Itinerary
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 Day 13 Day 14 Day 15 Day 16 Day 17 Day 18 Day 19 Day 20 Day 21
Australia Amsterdam, Netherlands
Today you will check in and board your flight to Europe! Enjoy the services of your flight as you make your way North.
Meals: Inflight Menu
Amsterdam
Weclome to Amsterdam! Make your way to the hotel and check-in. The rest of the day is yours at leisure to enjoy the city and its surrounds.
Meals: None
Accommodation: Hampton by Hilton, Holiday Inn Express or similar
Amsterdam Ghent Paris
Welcome to the beginning of an epic tour through Europe! Meet your tour leader and group at the Amsterdam hotel in the morning by 730AM. Once everyone arrives, it’s time to set off! Today’s first stop is Ghent in Belgium. Enjoy free time to explore this charming city and grab some lunch. This evening, the tour arrives in Paris and a spellbinding driving tour of the “City of Lights” is on the cards! Marvel at the sites of this world-famous city including the Arc de Triomphe, the River Seine and the Eiffel Tower! Later, it’s time to sit down for a group dinner in the heart of Paris.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Kyriad Paris Nord Porte de Saint Ouen, B&B Hotel Paris 17 or similar
Paris
Paris is yours to explore on your free day! Today’s top optional excursion is the Paris+ Tour. This includes plenty of sightseeing as well as a macaron tasting at Ladurée, a guided tour of renowned parfumerie Fragonard Musée du Parfum and a River Seine cruise. The excursion continues with a trip up Montparnasse. Towering high above Paris, it offers sweeping views of the “City of Lights”. End it off with free time to explore the Latin Quarter. This evening, enjoy an optional cabaret show or see the iconic Moulin Rouge on an optional evening in Montmartre complete with a three-course French dinner!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Kyriad Paris Nord Porte de Saint Ouen, B&B Hotel Paris 17 or similar
Paris Toulouse
Today, travel from Paris to Toulouse with a wine tasting in a small medieval town along the way! Drive past rolling crop fields, forests, pastoral landscapes and pretty towns. The wine tasting will showcase some of the region's robust red wines. Then, it's onto Toulouse, the fourth largest city in France. Here, enjoy a guided tour. Situated along the Compostela Pilgrimage route, it’s known for incredible Renaissance buildings. It's also home to a beautiful 17th-century canal and more. Dinner is included this evening - be sure to try something local!
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: B&B Hotel Toulouse Centre Canal or similar
Toulouse Andorra Barcelona
Au revoir Toulouse! Today, head south and cross the border into Andorra from the north. Grab lunch and then travel onward to Barcelona. Next stop is the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region. Barcelona is renowned for its art and architecture, such as the fantastical Sagrada Família church and other modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí. The driving tour will introduce you to a few of the city's top visitor attractions.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Campanille Barcelona Cornella, AC Barcelona Sant Cugat or similar
Barcelona
Today is free to spend as you like! To see Barcelona’s top highlights, join the Highlights of Barcelona featuring the Sagrada Família optional excursion. Take a peek at Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece: the glorious La Sagrada Familia and discover the picturesque Palau Güell. Then, visit Barcelona’s most famous food market, La Boqueria, before embarking on a tour of the historic Barrio Gótico (Gothic Quarter). Alternatively, wander around the city at your own pace, go shopping or relax on the beach! This evening, why not see a Flamenco Show? This optional includes a buffet dinner and unlimited drinks!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Campanille Barcelona Cornella, AC Barcelona Sant Cugat or similar
Barcelona Sete Pont du Gard Avignon
Adiós Barcelona! Today, travel to Avignon. En route, stopover in Sète, a port town in the South of France known for its canals. Take an orientation walk with your tour leader and enjoy free time for lunch here. Next stop is the centuries-old Pont du Gard. The ancient Roman aqueduct bridge was built in the first century AD to carry water over 50 kilometres to the Roman colony of Nemausus. Afterwards, head onwards to Avignon. Situated in the heart of picturesque Provence, Avignon used to be the centre of the Roman Catholic world. Enjoy an orientation tour around town. See the impressive Palais des Papes, the ancient town walls, Notre-Dame des Doms and Pont d’Avignon.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Aparthotel Adagio Access Avignon, Hotel Ibis Avignon Centre Point or similar
Avignon French Riviera Nice
A real highlight of the tour and trips to France is on the itinerary today! Departing Avignon, head along the French Riviera towards Nice. On the way, enjoy a scenic drive along the seaside road! Embark on an orientation tour of Nice and enjoy some free time for lunch. Later, visit one of the most glamorous destinations in the world! Explore Monaco with your tour leader later in the afternoon. Discover top attractions like the Prince's Palace, Oceanography Museum, Cathedral of Monaco and the Casino de Monte-Carlo. Head back to Nice where the evening is yours to relax or enjoy as you wish.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel du Pin Nice Port or similar
Pisa Florence Tuscany
Travelling back inland, head for nearby Italy. Have your cameras ready for a visit to the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa! Next up is Florence. Here, learn about the city’s history and see landmarks dating back to the Renaissance and even the Roman times on a guided walking tour of the city. Snap photos of Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, the Basilica of Santa Croce, the Florence Baptistry and the replica of Michelangelo’s famous statue of David which stands in the Palazzo della Signoria (the original can be seen in the nearby Accademia Gallery.) After exploring Florence, make for the hills of Tuscany, for the overnight stay in the ancient Tuscan spa town of Montecatini Terme.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Terme Pellegrini, Antica Tabaccaia Resort, Hotel Massimo or similar
Tuscany Rome
It’s time for the group to make its way to the country’s capital, Rome. Arrive and embark on a guided walking tour for an introduction to the incredible history of this unique city, which once reigned supreme as the focal point of the Roman Empire. Highlights today include the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. Enjoy an included dinner with the group tonight.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Warmthotel, Excel Roma or similar
Rome
Rome boasts ancient ruins, historical landmarks, religious buildings and a buzzing atmosphere! Today is free to spend as you wish! Explore Rome at your own pace. A visit to the Colosseum is highly recommended; offering fabulous views of the city and an unbelievable feeling of drifting backwards in time to when gladiators, chariots and lions dominated the arena. You could even visit the Vatican City - seat of the Pope and the smallest country in the world! Inside the walls, explore the museums, visit the Sistine Chapel and admire the famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo, and marvel at the numerous art pieces dotted around the buildings. The choice is yours!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Warmthotel, Excel Roma or similar
Rome Sienna Venice
Today’s first stop is the Tuscan town of Siena - famous for its cuisine, wine, art, museums and medieval cityscape. It’s also the home of the Palio horse race held here twice a year. Explore the town before the journey continues through Italy. In the early evening, arrive in Venice, a city which has been immortalised in literature, film and art for centuries! Venice is sure to capture your heart and imagination! The timeless waterways and artistic masterpieces make the “Floating City” truly unique. There is no shortage of incredible food and culture here either! Enjoy a free evening to relax at the hotel, or opt to join your tour leader on a twilight water taxi cruise along the Venetian canals.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Venezia or similar
Venice
Get to know Venice during an orientation tour led by your tour leader, followed by free time to explore this unforgettable city at your leisure. Want a classic Venetian experience? Add the optional gondola ride to your to-do list today! Explore more of the city on an optional trip further out into the lagoon to visit Murano and Burano. These islands are famous for their glass-blowing and lace-making crafts respectively, and rows of beautiful multi-coloured houses. For a sample of the city’s culinary delights, join the optional Venice food tour. Stroll through the city, see the top attractions and sample delicious local dishes as you go! Why not enjoy all three optional excursions to experience the best that Venice has to offer?
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Venezia or similar
Venice Lucerne Swiss Alps
Crossing the border into Switzerland, travel onward to the Swiss Alps. On the way to tonight’s accommodation, enjoy a stop in Lucerne, a picturesque Swiss city. Embark on an orientation tour with your tour leader and enjoy free time to explore. Then, admire the alpine views as the coach climbs higher into the mountains to the accommodation in a typical Swiss mountain village in the Jungfrau region. This region is a great introduction to the magic of the mountains and is one of the most popular alpine destinations! Enjoy dinner with the group at the hotel and get some rest tonight before tomorrow’s free day which promises more adventures in the Swiss Alps!
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Alpenrose Hotel and Gardens, Hotel Merkur, Hotel Baren Wilderswil, Hotel Alpina or similar
Swiss Alps
Explore the splendour of the Swiss Alps today! There is so much to see and do. Choose to join the ever-popular “Jungfraujoch: Journey to the Top of Europe” excursion which takes travellers to the highest train station in Europe and offers countless adventures at the top. Take in the year-round snowy vistas, including glaciers and dramatic mountaintops, visit the Ice Palace and take tons of photos! Return to lower altitudes where you can enjoy an optional Swiss fondue dinner tonight.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Alpenrose Hotel and Gardens, Hotel Merkur, Hotel Baren Wilderswil, Hotel Alpina or similar
Swiss Alps Black Forest
Bid farewell to the magnificent Alps as more scenic adventures await! Depart the Interlaken region, travel to Germany and enjoy a journey through the spellbinding Black Forest. This scenic drive complete with quaint towns and beautiful natural scenery is unlike anything you've encountered before! Enjoy a photo stop at Lake Titisee before visiting Triberg with free time for lunch. Next, snap a photo of the world’s largest cuckoo clock before arriving in Freudenstadt and enjoy free time to explore the town’s beautiful market square. The hotel in the Black Forest region awaits at the end of today’s scenic Black Forest drive and dinner is included this evening.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Dormero Hotel Bretten or similar
Black Forest Rhine Valley Amsterdam
Leaving the Black Forest behind, travel into the heart of the world-renowned Rhine Valley. Stop in Saint Goar and enjoy a ride aboard a cruise vessel to Boppard. The scenery along the river is truly amazing. Keep an eye out for the vineyards, impressive castles and towers, and thick groves of the forest along the riverbanks. Afterwards, treat your taste buds to a Rhine Valley wine tasting experience and enjoy famous Rhine Valley wines like Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Next, travel onwards to the bustling city of Amsterdam. Enjoy an included group dinner and the rest of the night is free to explore Amsterdam as you wish!
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Hampton by Hilton, Holiday Inn Express or similar
Amsterdam
Start today with a cruise along the iconic canals of Amsterdam. This is a great way to get to know the city! The rest of the day is free to further explore Amsterdam. Marvel at the artworks in the city’s famous museums, hire a bicycle, visit the cafes or simply stroll along the canals and see what the next corner brings! Alternatively, opt for a Dutch countryside tour with your tour leader. This excursion will take you to a nearby fishing village, Volendam, the famous historic windmill neighbourhood of Zaanse Schans and a local cheese farm and clog factory. An excursion to the MOCO Museum & House of Bols is also available. Finally, choose to enjoy a farewell dinner with the group tonight.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hampton by Hilton, Holiday Inn Express or similar
Amsterdam Australia
Today after breakfast, it's time to checkout and make your way to the airport. Check-in and board your flight home. Enjoy the services of the airline as you make your way South.
Meals: Breakfast and Inflight Menu
Australia
Today you will arrive home. We trust you have enjoyed this European Explorer adventure with us!
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Return International Economy Class Airfares
- 18 nights in quality hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room
- 17 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
- Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
- Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
- The tour leader will accompany the group throughout and manage all logistical details
Arrive early/stay longer: Want to stay longer, or arrive early? Ask our friendly Customer Service team for a quote.
Travelling on your own? Why not join the Traveldream Solo Travellers Facebook group where you can interact with other travellers.
WAKE UP HERE! Read the latest from the Official Traveldream Blog
Exclusions
- Transfers to and from Airports
- Meals/beverages not stated in the itinerary
- Optional gratuities/tipping
- Optional activities/tours/entrance fees
- Personal Expenses
- Travel Insurance (strongly recommended)
- Visa(s)/Visa fee
Child Policy: Children over the age of 10 years are welcome.
Flight Budget: There is a flight budget allocated to this deal. Should your selected date exceed this amount, a surcharge will be payable.
Single Supplement: The additional supplement for a single traveller is $2199 and available on checkout.
Group Size: On average you are looking at around 45 people.
Travel Insurance: We recommend Covermore travel insurance. To quote and book, please click HERE.
〰〰 You may also like 〰〰
View Details
From
$10,599
pp Twin Share
